‘Welcome Home’ Vietnam Veterans Event Planned At VFW Post #1405

Servicemen Should Bring DD Form 214 To Explore Benefits

Staff Report

On March 30, 1973 all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam. Instead of receiving a welcome fitting for the sacrifice they made for this country, the majority of the returning troops were met with criticism and hostility.

Frustration. Anger. Unappreciated. All of these words could describe the possible feelings and thoughts that went through the minds of these vets. Some were drafted, yet still fought and died for the lives of the men to their right and left, only to be diminished for their accomplishments upon their return home.

Over nine million military personnel served during the Vietnam War. Of that number 58,156 lost their lives, while 303,704 were wounded in action.

Politics played a key role in the lack of respect that was due to these individuals. Back then those who were against the war did not support the troops like many do today.

On Saturday, August 25, the Spencer VFW Post #1405 in Spencer will take the opportunity to help return that respect to local Vietnam veterans by hosting a “Welcome Home” event.

Veterans are encouraged to attend the event, even if for no other reason than to enjoy a free meal. Veterans will be required to show their DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).

“My goal is to get Vietnam vets to come in, enjoy the day and hopefully talk to them about benefits they have coming. If they have questions, we should be able to answer them,” Post Commander Joe Goldman explained. “We’ll just go over things with them if they have any questions about their benefits. I know there are a lot of them out there who have benefits coming but haven’t filed for them. Many of them have been told they don’t qualify, but that’s wrong. The only (veterans) who there are any questions about are Blue Water Sailors, like myself. The goal is to get them in here and talk to them to kind of start a healing process and help however I can... even if it’s just a matter of letting them know there are other people who feel the same things as they do.”

Owen County Veterans Service Officer Ron Morley and Indiana Veterans Service Officer Paul Curtis will both be on hand to help veterans apply for their much deserved benefits.

Members of the Spencer VFW Post #1405 ladies and men’s auxiliaries will provide breakfast beginning at 9:00 a.m. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. Lunch will begin around 12 noon, while dinner will be served around 6:00 p.m. The meals are free to all Vietnam veterans and visitors, although donations will be accepted to benefit the post.

We should all take this day to give our appreciation to our Vietnam veterans. Taking time out from our busy lives to give thanks for the sacrifices of those who we don’t know is a display of kindness and admiration that means so much to those who expect so little.